Getting into the real estate business

Written By Steve Strauss

Q: Steve – It seems to me that with real estate prices so low, now is a good time to get into that business. Buy low to sell high! My problem is that I don’t have great credit (who does these days?) So 1) is real estate actually ... Read More

Get Your Business Funded

Written By Steve Strauss

Q: I heard your webinar about creative ways to finance a business, though I only came in at the end. I have been out of work for a year and my unemployment is about to run out. What options do I have? Thanks for your time. Mary A: There i ... Read More

Freelancing

What are the pros and cons?

Written By Steve Strauss

Q: What can you tell me about freelancing? It seems like a good way to supplement my income, or even work for myself full-time if and when the time comes. Thank you for your help.ChristyA: There is little doubt that we are living in a whole ... Read More

7 Steps to Starting a Business

Written By Steve Strauss

Q: Having recently lost my job and I am forced to think about starting my own business. I have watched some video and read a few articles, but honestly, this is all new to me. Could you just give me the broad overview of the steps involved? ... Read More

SBA Loans

Written By Steve Strauss

Q: I hear that there is more money available these days for Small Business Administration loans. Is that true? If it is, how do I apply to the SBA to get one? Thanks in advance.MauriceA: To answer your first question, yes it is true that th ... Read More

Small Business Is Not for Everybody

Written By Steve Strauss

Q: Steve, I think you should write something about how owning a business is not for everybody. I see that some people love it, but I also know some small business owners who hate their job and feel stuck. That is the other side of the coin, ... Read More

Funding

The bad news and the good news.

Written By Steve Strauss

Q: In this climate, where can people go to get the money they need for their business? I want to expand but the banks all say no. I can't even imagine what it would be like if I was looking for startup capital. What are we supposed to d ... Read More

Finding the Money

Written By Steve Strauss

Q: Steve - This USA TODAY Small Business Challenge makes me want to start a business too, but my question is, where does one find the money to start a business? StephenA: This question reminds me of a quote by Benjamin Franklin: "If yo ... Read More

Start Up Mistakes

Written By Steve Strauss

Q: Steve - I have been watching the startup series you are part of at USA TODAY. I was wondering if there are any typical mistakes that you see startups make that I can avoid. I am new to this entrepreneurship thing. Thank youAsaA: It is ne ... Read More

Improve Your Odds of Getting a Loan

A 60-Second Guide to Getting a Loan.

Getting a small business loan is not as easy as saying you have a great idea and holding out your hand. While it is difficult to get a start-up business loan without a proven track record, it's not impossible. In just 60-seconds, we' ... Read More

Financing Your Start-up Business

A 60-Second Guide to Financing Your Start-up Business.

What's standing between you and starting your own business? If it's a lack of money, relax. There are a number of reasonable start-up capital options available to aspiring entrepreneurs. The key is planning. Your financing strategy ... Read More